Romania to finance the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s

Romania will finance the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets at the Fătăști air base.

The publication Profit reported on this.

The country will use the Ministry of Defense budget to cover the costs incurred by Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel while staying at the Romanian air base.

First, it regards the costs of accommodation, food, transportation, fuel consumed during training, provision of special equipment, and other related goods and services.

The published document does not provide an estimate of training costs but notes that no additional funding is needed in addition to the funds already allocated.

“Given the sensitive nature of the works and services to be contracted, as well as the confidential nature of the training of Ukrainian personnel, the legislation governing public procurement cannot be applied,” the Romanian Ministry of Defense stated in a published document.

In November 2023, the F-16 training center was opened at the Feteşti Air Base, where, in addition to Ukrainian pilots, Romanian pilots will also be trained.

The center was set up jointly with other allies and Lockheed Martin, which is the manufacturer of these U.S. fighter jets. It meets the training requirements of NATO pilots.

In addition to Romania, Ukrainian pilots are trained in the United States, Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom.

This division is due to the phased nature of these trainings and exercises. In the United Kingdom, Ukrainian cadets study theoretical material and make their first flights to receive basic flight training.

In France, the pilots are already undergoing more extensive training on Alpha Jet training jets, which will allow them to get the required number of flight hours and get more accustomed to flying the aircraft at higher speeds and with larger dimensions.

In the United States, Denmark, and Romania, pilots receive direct training on F-16 fighter jets and practice their piloting skills.